From oversized blazers to monochrome outfits, Korean celebrities have mastered street style like no other. Whether it’s BTS’s edgy streetwear or BLACKPINK’s chic casuals, here’s how you can recreate celebrity-inspired Korean street style this year.
Seoul Fashion Week
The global streetwear market size projected to reach USD 637.13 billion by 2032, per Fortune Business Insights. Korean street style is one of the most influential genres; a cultural movement that combines high fashion, casual wear and statement pieces. And it is trending due to the global influence of Seoul Fashion Week, the impact of K-pop idols, and the power of social media.
Seoul Fashion Week showcases bold, experimental streetwear that combines high fashion with functionality, drawing attention from international designers and influencers. The dominance of K-pop groups like BTS, BLACKPINK, and NewJeans has further amplified Korean fashion trends, with fans emulating their cool, oversized fits and statement accessories. Additionally, Instagram and TikTok have made it easier for street style enthusiasts worldwide to discover and adopt Korean-inspired looks.
That said, Korea’s street style is constantly evolving and what makes it unique is its ability to mix and match different styles — combining edgy elements with chic tailoring, vintage inspirations with modern twists, and bold colours with neutral palettes. If you’re looking to understand, embrace, or recreate Korean street style, this comprehensive guide explores Korean street fashion, its key components and provides actionable tips to integrate the top celebrity-inspired street styles into our everyday look.
The rise of Korean street style
Korean street style is deeply influenced by a fusion of traditional culture, Western fashion, and the rise of the Hallyu movement or Korean Wave, which popularised K-culture worldwide, influencing fashion through K-pop and K-drama aesthetics. It’s interesting how the roots of Korean street style goes back to the 1990s, when South Korea experienced rapid economic growth, allowing youth culture and fashion to flourish. Inspired by Japanese streetwear, American hip-hop aesthetics and European luxury fashion, Korean designers and stylists began combining these elements into a distinct, trend-setting style.
Korean street style is deeply influenced by a fusion of traditional culture, Western fashion, and the rise of the Hallyu movement.
The rise of K-pop, K-dramas, and social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok further propelled Korean street fashion onto the global stage, with celebrities like G-Dragon, Jennie and BTS shaping fashion trends. Today, Seoul’s fashion districts such as Hongdae, Gangnam and Dongdaemun, serve as creative hubs where streetwear brands like ADER ERROR, Stylenanda, and Charm’s continue to push the boundaries of urban fashion. With its emphasis on oversized silhouettes, gender-fluid aesthetics and layering, Korean street style is not just a passing trend but a cultural movement.
Korean Street Fashion: Key Elements
Korean street fashion is a dynamic combination of contemporary fashion trends, cultural influences, and individual expression. One of its defining elements is oversized silhouettes. Loose-fit blazers, baggy pants, and oversized sweatshirts are staples, often layered to create a structured look. For instance, South Korean celebrities like BLACKPINK’s Jennie are frequently seen in oversized coats paired with fitted pants or skirts. This street style trend rejects rigid fashion norms, embracing comfort and a polished appearance.
Per Vogue: “At Seoul Fashion Week, street style stars took inspiration from East London in the ’70s, donning multiple piercings, belted fabric chokers, heavy chains, and harnesses. Some pair punk accessories with demure white button downs and camel coats, while others stay true to form with edgy black bombers or heavy leather jackets, because in Seoul, everyone has their own personal twist on the sartorial norm.”
Korean street fashion is a dynamic combination of contemporary fashion trends, cultural influences, and individual expression.
Another key aspect of Korean street fashion is mixing high and low fashion by combining luxury brands with streetwear. Fashion-forward folks pair luxury bags, such as Chanel or Dior, with budget-friendly pieces from brands like Stylenanda or Mixxmix. For example, actor and model Jung Ho-yeon, known for her role in Squid Game, mixes luxury accessories with casual-wear. This approach to fashion reflects South Korea’s broader cultural emphasis on self-expression, where individuals curate looks that feel personal rather than dictated by fashion trends.
Lastly, bold colour contrasts and statement accessories are essential in Korean streetwear, and neon trainers, bucket hats and chunky jewellery are commonly incorporated into everyday outfits. A prime example is G-Dragon, the K-pop icon, whose fearless approach to fashion includes vibrant prints, oversized sunglasses and unconventional layering. This experimentation with colour and accessories sets Korean street fashion apart, making it a continuously evolving and globally influential style.
Influencers And Celebrities Defining Korean Streetstyle
Streetwear influencers have become pivotal in shaping trends, deftly combining fashion with culture, and inspiring millions on social media apps like Instagram.
J-Hope (BTS)
J-Hope is celebrated for his eclectic approach to streetwear, incorporating bold colours, patterns, and layering into his outfits. His signature style includes baggy trousers, oversized sweatshirts, bucket hats, and sneakers, often from brands like Supreme, Louis Vuitton and Balenciaga. He effortlessly combines high-end pieces with streetwear essentials, making his looks high-energy and fashion-forward. His experimentation with colours and textures has solidified him as one of K-fashion’s most influential trendsetters. To incorporate this Korean street style into everyday fashion, opt for loose-fitting silhouettes, layer oversized outerwear over casual basics, and finish the look with sleek sneakers or combat boots.
Jennie (BLACKPINK)
Jennie from BLACKPINK is a key figure in Korean street fashion, effortlessly combining high-end fashion with casual, laid-back elements. As a global ambassador for Chanel, she frequently incorporates tweed jackets, structured blazers and elegant accessories into her off-duty looks, pairing them with sneakers or oversized denim. Her ability to mix Korean streetwear brands like Stylenanda with luxury fashion houses has made her a style icon, inspiring countless fans to emulate her effortlessly chic wardrobe. To incorporate Jeannie’s Parisian-inspired streetwear, opt for tailored blazers, chic monochrome pieces, and layering with a mix of common and luxury fabrics. Complete the look with minimal accessories, structured handbags, and classic sneakers or ankle boots.
Sehun and Kai (EXO)
EXO’s preppy street style combines polished tailoring with effortless cool. A signature element of their style is the tailored blazer over casual shirts, creating a sharp yet relaxed silhouette. Their monochrome outfits, often in neutral tones with minimal detailing, add to the sleek, put-together aesthetic. Accessories like loafers and structured bags further enhance the sleek vibe. Sehun is known for his perfectly tailored fits, effortlessly mixing formal and casual elements, while Kai favors a neutral-tone sophisticated yet understated style. To recreate this look, pair a fitted blazer with casual sneakers, maintain a neutral colour palette, and layer a turtleneck under an oversized coat for a touch of elegance and warmth.
(G-Dragon)
G-Dragon’s bold, experimental streetwear is a perfect fusion of high-end fashion and urban street style. His distinct style focuses on statement prints, asymmetrical designs and an effortless mix of luxury and casual wear. He is known for layering bold prints with streetwear essentials, often wearing oversized sunglasses, scarves, and hats to elevate his outfits. His fearless approach to fashion includes unconventional accessories and daring colour combinations. To recreate this look, experiment with contrasting textures and bold patterns, such as pairing plaid with leather, and don’t shy away from multiple accessories for a high-fashion street vibe. A statement piece like an oversized coat or funky sunglasses can add that final G-Dragon-inspired touch.
Irene Kim
Irene Kim is one of Korea’s most recognisable fashion influencers, known for her colourful hair, edgy styling, and effortless mix of streetwear and luxury fashion. As a model and TV personality, she frequently attends global fashion weeks, donning avant-garde pieces from Off-White, Alexander Wang, and Korean labels like Andersson Bell. Her style is a fusion of streetwear and luxury fashion, making her a go-to figure for anyone looking to understand the intersection of high fashion and everyday streetwear in Korea. To look like Irene Kim, embrace bold colours, statement prints, and playful layering while maintaining a balance between edgy and wearable. Start with a colourful oversized blazer or a printed jacket as a statement piece and pair it with basics like a white tee and straight-leg jeans. Mix streetwear elements like chunky sneakers or combat boots with high-fashion accessories, for a polished yet fun aesthetic.
Korean Street Fashion Brands in the celebrity zeitgeist
ADER ERROR
ADER ERROR, established in 2014, is a South Korean fashion brand that reimagines everyday clothing with a bold, avant-garde approach and oversized, gender-neutral silhouettes. The brand merges art, culture, and fashion, incorporating asymmetrical designs, bold graphics and attention to detail, collaborating with major brands like Puma, Maison Kitsuné, and Zara. Its distinctive designs have been worn by celebrities such as EXO’s Kai and NCT’s Taeyong, solidifying its status as a staple in contemporary Korean streetwear. ADER ERROR is celebrated for its unique take on contemporary fashion, creating timeless pieces that challenge traditional norms while fostering individuality and self-expression.
Stylenanda
Stylenanda is a fashion and beauty brand that captures Korean street fashion’s feminine yet edgy aesthetic. Founded in 2004, it has become a go-to label for youthful clothing that combines casual, chic, and vintage-inspired elements. The brand’s popularity skyrocketed with the launch of its beauty line, 3CE which complements its fashion identity. Stylenanda’s playful yet sophisticated designs have been embraced by K-pop stars like BLACKPINK’s Jennie, making it a favourite among Asian Gen Z and millennials.
Charm’s
Charm’s is a unisex streetwear brand recognised for its retro sportswear influences and bold logo designs. Founded by designer Kang Yohan in 2013, the brand gained popularity for its nostalgic take on urban fashion. Charm’s frequently incorporates 90s-inspired tracksuits, varsity jackets, and statement accessories, often worn by BTS and Red Velvet. The brand has also collaborated with Disney and Kappa, demonstrating its ability to merge pop culture with street style. Its effortlessly cool aesthetic makes it a staple in Korea’s youth fashion scene.
MÜNN
MÜNN stands out for its high-fashion approach to streetwear, merging craftsmanship with deconstructed, experimental designs. Founded by Han Hyun-min, the brand has been featured at Seoul Fashion Week and London Fashion Week, gaining global recognition. The street style rand is known for its intricate tailoring, layered textures, and unconventional fabric choices, creating pieces that blur the lines between casual and couture. Celebrities G-Dragon and Lee Dong-wook have been spotted wearing MÜNN, further solidifying its reputation as a cutting-edge Korean brand.
Andersson Bell
Andersson Bell is a contemporary Korean fashion brand that merges Scandinavian minimalism with Korean street style. Launched in 2014, it is known for its clean lines, asymmetrical cuts, and mix of neutral tones with vibrant pops of colour. The brand takes inspiration from Nordic aesthetics but reinvents them with a distinctly Korean twist, resulting in effortlessly stylish and wearable pieces. Andersson Bell has collaborated with global brands like ASICS and New Balance, and its designs have been worn by ITZY’s Ryujin and Korean model Irene Kim. With its innovative take on modern street fashion, Andersson Bell continues to gain international acclaim.
Case Study: How Korean Street Style Influences Global Fashion
The global fashion industry has taken note of Korean street style, leading to collaborations between luxury brands and Korean fashion designers and celebrities. A prime example is Dior’s partnership with BTS’s Jimin, where Dior embraced the group’s streetwear-inspired aesthetics. Similarly, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Fendi have worked with K-pop idols, integrating elements of oversized tailoring, bold layering, and casual-luxury fusion into their collections. These collaborations signal a shift in fashion authority, positioning Korea as a key tastemaker in the luxury streetwear scene.
Seoul Fashion Week
Social media platforms have also played a pivotal role in spreading Korean street fashion globally. The Hallyu (Korean Wave) movement has extended beyond music and entertainment, with platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest driving trends inspired by K-fashion. Hashtags like #KoreanStreetStyle and #KFashion has millions of views, showcasing outfits influenced by idols and influencers such as Jennie and Irene Kim. Korean styling techniques—such as layered streetwear, statement accessories and minimalist-chic ensembles—are aspirational, proving that digital platforms are key in shaping global fashion preferences.
In conclusion, Korean streetwear has become a powerful force in redefining global fashion, bringing back Y2K aesthetics, oversized silhouettes, and gender-fluid styling. The resurgence of low-rise jeans, cargo pants, and trainers owes much to Korea’s reinterpretation of early 2000s trends, seen in brands like Stylenanda and Charm’s. The widespread adoption of oversized blazers, boxy fits, and unisex fashion reflects Korea’s progressive approach to streetwear, influencing designers from Europe to the US. As the world embraces Korean-inspired fashion, it is clear that Seoul is no longer just following trends—it is setting them.
Where to Shop for Korean Street Style
Korean street style is best experienced in the bustling fashion districts of Seoul, where local designers and global trends come together. Hongdae is known for its youthful, artsy vibe, making it a hotspot for independent boutiques and streetwear brands. Garosugil in Sinsa-dong offers a mix of high-end and casual street fashion, featuring designer stores and concept shops that showcase contemporary Korean aesthetics. Meanwhile, Myeongdong is a shopping paradise filled with high-end stores and affordable fashion brands, making it ideal for those looking for budget-friendly and high-end streetwear options.
For those who prefer online shopping, several platforms specialise in Korean streetstyle. Kooding and W Concept offer a curated selection of both mainstream and indie Korean brands, featuring stylish designs. YesStyle is a popular international retailer that carries a wide range of Korean fashion, from casual streetwear to minimalist pieces. Musinsa, one of Korea’s largest online fashion marketplaces, provides a vast selection of local streetwear labels, often at competitive prices.
For a more authentic and indie take on Korean street style, thrift and vintage stores are excellent choices. Seoul’s Dongmyo Flea Market is a treasure trove of second-hand clothing, styled by local influencers. Vintage Bonnie and The Vin in Hongdae cater to those looking for retro-inspired pieces with a Korean streetwear twist. Shopping at thrift stores not only allows for budget-friendly finds but also adds a personal touch to one’s style, embracing the eclectic and experimental nature of Korean fashion.
FAQS: Incorporating Korean Streetwear Aesthetics into Our Daily Looks
Korean street style
What are the key elements of Korean street fashion?
Korean street fashion is characterised by oversized silhouettes, layered outfits, gender-neutral styles, and a mix of high-end and casual pieces. Popular elements include baggy blazers, cargo pants, graphic sweatshirts, trainers and statement accessories like bucket hats. The style effortlessly combines minimalism with edgy, playful details.
How can I incorporate Korean street fashion into my everyday wardrobe?
Add versatile staples such as an oversized blazer, wide-leg trousers, or an oversized hoodie. Layering is key, so experiment with turtlenecks under graphic tees, long coats over casual fits, or mix-and-match textures. Platform sneakers, combat boots, or chunky loafers complete the look. Stick to a neutral or muted palette with pops of bright colours or patterns for balance.
What Korean brands should I explore for street fashion?
There are many trendy Korean brands such as Stylenanda for feminine yet edgy streetwear, ADER ERROR for oversized unisex pieces, and Charm’s for retro-inspired urban fashion. For high-fashion meets streetwear, MÜNN and Andersson Bell offer avant-garde yet wearable styles. International retailers like YesStyle and W Concept also stock Korean fashion brands, making it easier to shop globally.
How do K-pop idols influence Korean street fashion trends?
K-pop idols are fashion trendsetters, often showcasing Korean street style in music videos, airport fashion, and social media. Icons like Jennie popularise luxury-infused streetwear, while J-Hope embraces bold colours and playful layering. Their styles influence global trends so following idols’ fashion choices can help consumers curate an authentic Korean-inspired wardrobe.
Can I recreate Korean street fashion on a budget?
Absolutely! Korean street fashion is all about smart styling rather than expensive pieces. Shop at affordable brands like Mixxmix, Chuu, and 66girls, or look for oversized blazers, wide-leg trousers, and vintage-inspired pieces in thrift stores. Accessories like beanies, totes, and statement sunglasses can elevate simple outfits. The key is to focus on silhouette, layering, and colour coordination rather than designer labels.
Jasmeen Dugal is Associate Editor at FashionABC, contributing her insights on fashion, technology, and sustainability. She brings with herself more than two decades of editorial experience, working for national newspapers and luxury magazines in India.
Jasmeen Dugal has worked with exchange4media as a senior writer contributing articles on the country’s advertising and marketing movements, and then with Condenast India as Net Editor where she helmed Vogue India’s official website in terms of design, layout and daily content. Besides this, she is also an entrepreneur running her own luxury portal, Explosivefashion, which highlights the latest in luxury fashion and hospitality.
